Community Dispute Resolution Programs and Public Policy

Source: (1986) Cambridge, MA: Abt Associates, Inc., 131p.

This report examines the development, philosophies, and operation of community dispute resolution programs during recent years and presents empirical data regarding the quality of justice and the efficiency of these programs. The three main settlement techniques used are conciliation, mediation, and arbitration. A growing body of research findings indicates that these programs are often superior to adjudication for the types of matters they handle. Increasing their use is one of their major challenges.